The UPLB Computer Science Society (COSS) is an organization known for its highly active, interconnected, and sociable residents. This is why it is truly something to wonder about whether how its brods and sisses are coping up during this pandemic wherein the only way to connect with each other is through virtual communication. Let us catch a glimpse of how the COSS residents survive and try to make the best out of every second inside their humble homes.
Our talented sis Eikou Teknomo has surely taken the chance to practice her creativity this quarantine! She spends most of her afternoon playing with her guitar and the piano. She has also realized how this quarantine has helped her grow into a more matured version of herself ‐ taking life lessons from the anime series she’s indulged herself into. Although this quarantine has also caused her some existential crises, she is thankful enough that the UPLB COSS was there to provide emotional support. This quarantine has led her to discover more about herself.
Another sis of ours, Ysabelle Viray, has taken this opportunity to sharpen her entrepreneurial skills. She realized that what better way to earn from this lockdown than an online business! She spends most of her quarantine days selling clothes and decorating her room. Since she spends most of her time online, she has also become more woke to current issues and has developed her nationalistic side. During her free time, she plays online games with other COSS members which soothes her stress level. She has also realized how precious time outside is and could not be more excited to go outside again!
Another one of our creative brods, Christian Olo, spends his time mostly honing his passion for creating music. He gets his inspirations in his daily encounters but most especially in watching anime series. He admitted that this quarantine has changed his perspectives in life and made him realize how our small efforts can make great impacts to the people around us. During his free hours, he plays with other COSS members to pass time that surely strengthens their bonds. This quarantine also made him aware of his vices and has exerted real effort to better himself.
Rizia Santos spends most of her time this quarantine tending to her duties and responsibilities to her organizations. This quarantine helped her sharpen her thinking and be more critical regarding social issues which radicalized her to become more active as an activist. This quarantine has been drastically draining for her mental health but fortunately, COSS stayed connected and helped her cope up.
Same with Eikou, Jenna Coloso also thrives when it comes to creativity! She has taken advantage of the quarantine to improve her crafts, especially her drawing skills. She also spends a handful of time online which caused the awakening of her nationalism. She realized that change in the system should really be done because Filipinos are oppressed every day that passes by. The quarantine has also caused most parts of her life to spiral downwards. Fortunately, COSS is there to cheer her up and somewhat make everything bearable.
Kyle Santuyo, one of our gamer brods, spends most of his time under quarantine playing video games with other COSS residents. Some of his all time favorite games are Valorant and CSGO. Kyles’ time playing with the other members online has surely made their bonds stronger even amidst this lockdown. This is why even though he is restless and stressed due to all the chaos in the world, Kyle is still coping up well. It is undeniable how the quarantine changed his perspectives in life and how he realized that we sometimes take for granted the simple things in life.
This quarantine has really been a challenge to everyone’s holistic well-being. It is undeniable how we wished at some point in our lives to have a break from the chaotic and busy world outside. But having to be locked down for months and being restrained from going out makes us realize that there is nothing better than the warmth and company of our friends, while enjoying some fresh air at the Carabao Park. Although this quarantine has still given everyone the chance to discover something new about themselves, it is definite that everyone is ecstatic for the day we can finally scream at the top of our lungs: “PWEDE NA LUMABAS”. Boy, the first step outside after all this will surely hit differently.
